1940's

In 1941, founder Benjamin Russell dies on the 16th December and the reins of the company are passed to his son Benjamin C. Russell.

During World War Two, Russell's 'Athletic' Division sold primarily to the military. Shirts, drawers, t-shirts, athletic garments and special outer garments were made for the Army and Navy.

Benjamin C. Russell dies in 1945 and is succeeded as president by his brother, Thomas D. Russell.